Dispensing device for loose products for the preparation of beverages, and machine containing said dispensing device

Abstract

The dispenser comprises a hopper ( 1 ) to contain the loose product (P), and an screw feeder ( 7 ) to feed the loose product from the hopper towards a dispensing opening ( 25 ). Positioned in the dispensing opening is a shut-off valve ( 27 ), which closes the dispensing opening. The screw feeder feeds the loose product towards the valve and movement of the valve causes delivery of the loose product from the cells.

1 . A dispenser of loose products for the preparation of beverages or the like, comprising:
 a hopper to contain the loose product; and   a screw feeder to feed the loose product from said hopper towards a dispensing opening, wherein positioned in said dispensing opening is a shut-off valve, which closes said dispensing opening, the screw feeder being arranged to feed the loose product towards said valve, said valve being a rotary valve including at least one cell to receive a dose of loose product, the rotation of said valve causing delivery of the loose product, said screw feeder and said valve being mechanically connected with motion transmission members such that said valve rotates along with said screw feeder.   
     
     
         2 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said valve comprises a plurality of cells. 
     
     
         3 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said valve is a blade valve, respective cells being defined between pairs of consecutive blades. 
     
     
         4 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said valve rotates about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the screw feeder. 
     
     
         5 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said screw feeder is motorized and wherein a single motor controls the rotation of said screw feeder and said valve. 
     
     
         6 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said screw feeder and said valve are connected by means of a gear transmission. 
     
     
         7 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rotation speed of the screw feeder is below the rotation speed of the valve. 
     
     
         8 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said valve is positioned in a housing which has an inlet cross section for the loose product towards the cells of the valve which is greater than the outlet cross section. 
     
     
         9 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said screw feeder ends in a compartment where said loose product is fed by said screw feeder, said rotating valve being arranged underneath said compartment. 
     
     
         10 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the screw feeder has a shaft extending through said compartment into a chamber, wherein said motion transmission members are arranged. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A machine for the preparation of beverages or the like using loose products, comprising:
 a dispenser comprising:
 at least one hopper to contain a loose product; and 
 a screw feeder to feed the loose product from said hopper towards a dispensing opening, wherein positioned in said dispensing opening is a shut-off valve, which closes said dispensing opening, the screw feeder being arranged to feed the loose product towards said valve, said valve being a rotary valve including at least one cell to receive a dose of loose product, the rotation of said valve causing delivery of the loose product, said screw feeder and said valve being mechanically connected with motion transmission members such that said valve rotates along with said screw feeder. 
   
     
     
         13 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said valve is a blade valve, respective cells being defined between pairs of consecutive blades. 
     
     
         14 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said valve rotates about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the screw feeder. 
     
     
         15 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said screw feeder is motorized and wherein a single motor controls the rotation of said screw feeder and said valve. 
     
     
         16 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein said screw feeder and said valve are connected by means of a gear transmission. 
     
     
         17 . A beverage dispensing machine, comprising:
 a dispenser comprising:
 a hopper to contain the loose product; and 
 a screw feeder to feed the loose product from said hopper towards a dispensing opening, wherein positioned in said dispensing opening is a shut-off valve, which closes said dispensing opening, the screw feeder being arranged to feed the loose product towards said valve, said valve being a rotary valve including at least one cell to receive a dose of loose product, the rotation of said valve causing delivery of the loose product, said screw feeder and said valve being mechanically connected with motion transmission members such that said valve rotates along with said screw feeder.